Former UConn star Diana Taurasi had 24 points including four 3-pointers, two rebounds and three assists as the United States raced out to a commanding lead en route to an 83-75 win over previously undefeated Australia.

As was the case when the teams scrimmaged at the XL Center in Hartford, the showdown in the post was an intriguing sidelight as Australia's 6-foot-8 teenager Elizabeth Cambage had a team-high 18 points to go with seven rebounds and four blocked shots. The U.S. countered with Sylvia Fowles had 15 points and six rebounds and former UConn star Tina Charles had 14 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Taurasi, Fowles and Charles were the only U.S. players in double figures although Tamika Catchings had nine points, four rebounds and two blocked shots. Former UConn star Sue Bird only had six points but there were at crucial times. Her first basket came in the midst of a 7-0 first-quarter run which gave the U.S. a 21-13 lead. With Australia cutting a 20-point lead to 11, Bird sandwiched a pair of baskets around two Taurasi 3-pointers.

UConn senior Maya Moore was 1 of 7 from the floor and finished with two points, one rebound, two assists and a steals. Lauren Jackson had 13 points and 6 rebounds for Australia.

The U.S. wins Group E with the victory and will face South Korea in the quarterfinals on Friday